Prasanna Jayawardene, Randiv back for Sri Lanka

Wicketkeeper Prasanna Jayawardene and offspinner Suraj Randiv have returned to the Sri Lanka Test squad for the home series against England. Both had missed the tour of South Africa late last year, Jayawardene due to an injury and Randiv as a result of being dropped.

Strong performances on the domestic circuit since then have helped Randiv win his place back. In five first-class matches this domestic season, Randiv has picked up 37 wickets for Bloomfield Cricket and Athletic Club, at an average of 27.35. He has played six Tests for Sri Lanka, picking up 21 wickets at 42.95.

Mahela Jayawardene will lead Sri Lanka for the first time in a Test series since his return to the captaincy after taking over from Tillakaratne Dilshan, and Angelo Mathews will be his deputy.

*There was no place for Ajantha Mendis, who hasn't played top-flight cricket since the series against South Africa last year after suffering a back injury.

Apart from Mendis, the other players from the touring squad to South Africa who have missed out this time are Kanishka Alvitigala, Dilhara Fernando, Dimuth Karunaratne, Thisara Perera, Kaushal Silva and Nuwan Pradeep.

Suranga Lakmal, the seamer, also returns to the Test squad having missed the tour of South Africa due to an ankle injury. Lakmal, along with Dhammika Prasad and Chanaka Welegedera, will make up the Sri Lanka pace attack. Rangana Herath will be the lead spinner.

The two-Test series begins in Galle on Monday.